In an unusual scene that kept an entire community on edge, a 29-year-old Guatemalan immigrant remained perched for more than eight hours atop a tree, trying to evade officers from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the West Side neighborhood of San Antonio, Texas.
The incident occurred on Monday, April 29, and was witnessed by federal agents, neighbors, and local media.
The man has been identified as Raúl Ical, although official documents also recognize him by the name Raymundo Caal-Caal, according to reports obtained by Univision.
Federal authorities explained that the operation was the result of an outstanding arrest warrant related to an illegal entry into the United States and a prior deportation in 2013.
Additionally, he was linked to a recent case of driving under the influence of alcohol in April 2024, for which he was released on bail but with a migration detention order.
The escape and the climb to the tree
According to reports, the incident began around 11:00 AM when ICE agents, in conjunction with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), attempted to detain Ical after making a traffic stop on the vehicle in which he was traveling as a passenger.
In the presence of the agents, Ical reportedly ran away, entered a nearby house, and in a desperate attempt to escape, climbed a tall tree, where he remained until around 7:00 PM.
During the long hours of tension, residents of the neighborhood—home to a significant number of Latino immigrants—gathered at the site.
Many shouted encouraging messages from below: "Don't come down, you have rights!", "We'll send you a lawyer!", and "Don't sign anything!", in a clear gesture of solidarity. Some recorded videos and shared the incident online.
One of them, Antonio Cruz, a young man of Honduran origin, told the press that he felt the need to come forward and offer support. "I don’t know if he has papers or not, but he is a human being. It breaks my heart to see this," he expressed to EFE.
According to Cruz, Ical managed to tell him from above that he worked in construction and that that day he was just heading to his job when he noticed he was being followed.
End of the confrontation and detention
Around 7:00 PM, after several hours under the sun and with the pressure from the authorities on solid ground, Ical peacefully descended from the tree.
The moment was captured on video and quickly circulated on social media. ICE agents arrested him immediately, with no reports of violent incidents.
According to official statements, the man will face federal charges due to his immigration history and illegal reentries into the country. As of the close of this report, he remains in federal custody.
The case has reignited the debate over immigration policies and the use of high-profile operations in vulnerable communities, particularly when it involves individuals with family and employment ties in the country.
Meanwhile, immigrant support groups have reiterated their call to review the treatment of those who, regardless of their legal status, are simply seeking a dignified and safe life.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Incident Involving the Guatemalan Immigrant and ICE Policies
Why did Raúl Ical stay in a tree for more than eight hours?
Raúl Ical took refuge in a tree to avoid being arrested by ICE after a traffic stop in San Antonio, Texas. He had an outstanding arrest warrant for illegal entry into the United States and a prior deportation in 2013, as well as a recent case of driving under the influence. This incident reflects the desperation of some immigrants to avoid detention and deportation.
What actions does ICE take in its operations against undocumented immigrants?
ICE conducts raids and operations to arrest undocumented immigrants, especially focusing on those with criminal records. These actions are often criticized for their impact on vulnerable communities and for the separation of families. In the current context, under the administration of Donald Trump, there has been an intensified enforcement of strict immigration policies, with a significant increase in the number of arrests.
How does the current immigration policy of the United States affect immigrant communities?
The current immigration policy of the United States has generated fear and distrust among immigrant communities, due to the increase in raids and deportations. In addition to the separation of families, the policies have been criticized for potential racial biases and violations of rights. This climate of hostility has particularly impacted those with family and work ties in the country.
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